Topic Summary:

Fatal Hazard – Falling through skylights and roof and

floor openings
Employers: Please take time to read this important information and share it with your employees.

Since 1998, eight construction workers in Washington State have been killed when they fell through
skylights or roof and floor openings.

• On Sept. 4, 2003, a construction laborer fell 50 feet through an unguarded skylight

during re-roofing operations at a steel plant. The victim handed a roof panel to a
co-worker and then slipped, fell backwards, and slid on his back onto an unguarded
fiberglass skylight. The skylight failed and he fell 50 feet, landing on machinery
below. The victim died at the scene.

• On Nov. 22, 2002, a construction worker fell from a roof through an unguarded
skylight opening. The victim was laying out plastic sheet over several skylight
openings when he fell through one of the openings and landed on the concrete floor 9
feet 10 inches below. He suffered severe injuries and was transported to a hospital
where he died 10 days later.

Where can I learn more?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published an alert called
“Preventing Falls of Workers Through Skylights and Roof and Floor Openings.” This alert has
recommendations and precautions that will help protect your employees from being seriously
injured or killed. The key precautions in protecting workers from falls through skylights, roof and
floor openings are:
• All openings must be properly covered or guarded at all times.
• Skylights must either be guarded or designed for the weight of a person with a safety factor.
• Workers must be trained on correct procedures and hazard identification.

You can get a copy of the NIOSH alert from the NIOSH web site at:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-156/

How can I get help from Labor and Industries?

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has assistance available at no charge. Please contact
one of the regional offices listed below and ask for the WISHA* Consultation Supervisor.

WISHA Hazard Alert January 2005

 Counties Telephone Number
Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom 425-290-1431
King 206-515-2837
or
206-835-1146
Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce 253-596-3917
Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, 360-902-5472
Pacific, Thurston, Wahkiakum
Northwest Adams, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, 509-886 6570
Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan, Walla Walla,
Yakima
Southeast Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, 509-324 2543
Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Whitman

Online Resources

• The Washington Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) web site at
www.LNI.wa.gov/Safety/Research/FACE

• WISHA Safety and Health regulations: www.LNI.wa.gov/Safety/Rules

Other rules may apply.

*WISHA: Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, the state equivalent of OSHA.
L&I’s WISHA Services Division administers workplace safety and health regulations.

WISHA Hazard Alert January 2005